Lawrence County commissioners on Jan. 13 approved a five-year lease for dispatch chairs after hearing from Deputy Public Safety Director Rich Hoover.

Hoover told the board the county received two quotes from Thomas Shelby & Company for the same number of heavy-duty, 24/7 dispatch chairs. One quote totaled $26,990 for a five-year lease; a second quote totaled $27,690 and included a one-time $700 option that gives the county the ability to swap to different chair models mid-contract for $100 per chair. Hoover said dispatch staff recommended the higher-cost option to preserve the ability to swap chairs during the contract.

Commissioners questioned whether the county was purchasing or leasing the chairs. Hoover said the county has leased dispatch chairs for several years and that leasing has proven more economical than purchasing, repairing and eventually replacing chairs. He described the chairs as robust models built for prolonged use and emphasized safety and reliability given 24/7 operations.

The board moved to adopt the recommended option. A roll-call vote was recorded and the motion carried.

Next steps: The county will finalize the five-year lease with Thomas Shelby & Company under the approved option.